George Washington February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799
Federalist
Presidential Terms: April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797 (2 terms)
Vice President: John Adams
VP Terms: 1789-1797 (2 Terms)
On a scale of A-F, Washington deserves and A+. Although there was no previous administration to judge him against, he did an excellent job at creating a strong foundation for our government and he set the standards high for presidents to come. He maintained peace and order in a young nation, still rich with the many drastically different views of its people. During his administration, what is arguably the most important document in the history of the United States, the constitution, was written and signed. He remained strong throughout his presidency, even with struggles within his own cabinet.
George Washington's primary goal entering office was securing a strong government for his newly freed nation to live and build off of. Clearly he succeeded with this goal, for today our government is essentially the function and operation. Another of his goals was to ensure the United States government wouldn't end up a monarchy like so many of the time's prosperous nations. He demonstrated this goal by refusing to take a third term in office, even at the request of the people. Washington also aimed to keep the government focused on general goals and systematically dealing with problems. This was to maintain stability by preventing the government from making any sudden, unnecessary, or drastic changes that would shock the citizens of this newly blossoming nation.
Congress during Washington's administration did not have parties. The government was just getting started, so there were not set parties yet. Everyone was still working towards the same goal of establishing a strong government and making the nation prosperous. Washington had a good relationship with congress. He made strong decisions and there wasn't to much conflict between the branches. There were major major bills passed during this administration, including the Judiciary Act, which formed the Supreme Court, the Naturalization Act, which provided the nations first laws, the Coinage Act, which established the United States Mint, and the Militia Act, which essentially made the president what we now call Commander and Chief. Also during Washington's terms, the Bill of Rights was ratified and planning had begun for the District of Columbia. Washington only vetoed two bills during his terms. The first being the Apportionment Bill, which he deemed unconstitutional. His second and final veto was a bill meant to alter and "fix" the United States military. He chose to veto for policy reasons.
The most positive action made by George Washington was passing the Judiciary Act, the bill which called for the creation of the federal judiciary. This was so important because is created the third branch of the government. With three parts the system of "Checks and Balances" took effect. This meant that each branch reigns over another, but the remaining branch controls them. This ensures that not particular section in the government can ever become to powerful. The formation of the Judiciary Branch also meant local and state court systems could deal with most civil and domestic issues, leaving the federal court system to deal with more prominent issues. The most negative action made by Washington, which unfortunately would be the last of these types of bills to be passed, was his signing of the Fugitive Slave Act. This bill made it a federal offense to assist an escaping slave. This bill is just one example of the many racist laws passed throughout the years. The decision made by Washington to sign the act would cause a chain-reaction of these types of laws to be signed, eventually leading to the civil war and the loss of tens of thousands of American lives.
Washington and his administration simply existing effected every presidency to come after. A single decision cannot be chosen. Every administration would be compared to his. He helped establish a virtually unchanged system of government. He established today's system of money, and created a standing military (a military organization which remains for at all times, not just times of war). Washington "completed" the government by creating the judiciary branch, and it could be said that "trained" John Adams for his presidency (which would come next).
The United States was much better off after George Washington's term. He definitely deserves and A. Every administration to precede him had a strong base behind it. He helped establish the Judicial Branch and completed the ratification of the Constitution, which fully united the country. Washington passed the first laws as well as our first rights. If Washington had not been made the first president the country most definitely would not be what it is today. In fact, without Washington shaping to governments structure, it very well could have become corrupt or even simply collapsed. Washington was the first, he set the bar, he helped make our great nation what it is today.
February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799
Federalist
Presidential Terms: April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797 (2 terms)
Vice President: John Adams
VP Terms: 1789-1797 (2 Terms)
On a scale of A-F, Washington deserves and A+. Although there was no previous administration to judge him against, he did an excellent job at creating a strong foundation for our government and he set the standards high for presidents to come. He maintained peace and order in a young nation, still rich with the many drastically different views of its people. During his administration, what is arguably the most important document in the history of the United States, the constitution, was written and signed. He remained strong throughout his presidency, even with struggles within his own cabinet.
George Washington's primary goal entering office was securing a strong government for his newly freed nation to live and build off of. Clearly he succeeded with this goal, for today our government is essentially the function and operation. Another of his goals was to ensure the United States government wouldn't end up a monarchy like so many of the time's prosperous nations. He demonstrated this goal by refusing to take a third term in office, even at the request of the people. Washington also aimed to keep the government focused on general goals and systematically dealing with problems. This was to maintain stability by preventing the government from making any sudden, unnecessary, or drastic changes that would shock the citizens of this newly blossoming nation.
Congress during Washington's administration did not have parties. The government was just getting started, so there were not set parties yet. Everyone was still working towards the same goal of establishing a strong government and making the nation prosperous. Washington had a good relationship with congress. He made strong decisions and there wasn't to much conflict between the branches. There were major major bills passed during this administration, including the Judiciary Act, which formed the Supreme Court, the Naturalization Act, which provided the nations first laws, the Coinage Act, which established the United States Mint, and the Militia Act, which essentially made the president what we now call Commander and Chief. Also during Washington's terms, the Bill of Rights was ratified and planning had begun for the District of Columbia. Washington only vetoed two bills during his terms. The first being the Apportionment Bill, which he deemed unconstitutional. His second and final veto was a bill meant to alter and "fix" the United States military. He chose to veto for policy reasons.
The most positive action made by George Washington was passing the Judiciary Act, the bill which called for the creation of the federal judiciary. This was so important because is created the third branch of the government. With three parts the system of "Checks and Balances" took effect. This meant that each branch reigns over another, but the remaining branch controls them. This ensures that not particular section in the government can ever become to powerful. The formation of the Judiciary Branch also meant local and state court systems could deal with most civil and domestic issues, leaving the federal court system to deal with more prominent issues. The most negative action made by Washington, which unfortunately would be the last of these types of bills to be passed, was his signing of the Fugitive Slave Act. This bill made it a federal offense to assist an escaping slave. This bill is just one example of the many racist laws passed throughout the years. The decision made by Washington to sign the act would cause a chain-reaction of these types of laws to be signed, eventually leading to the civil war and the loss of tens of thousands of American lives.
Washington and his administration simply existing effected every presidency to come after. A single decision cannot be chosen. Every administration would be compared to his. He helped establish a virtually unchanged system of government. He established today's system of money, and created a standing military (a military organization which remains for at all times, not just times of war). Washington "completed" the government by creating the judiciary branch, and it could be said that "trained" John Adams for his presidency (which would come next).
The United States was much better off after George Washington's term. He definitely deserves and A. Every administration to precede him had a strong base behind it. He helped establish the Judicial Branch and completed the ratification of the Constitution, which fully united the country. Washington passed the first laws as well as our first rights. If Washington had not been made the first president the country most definitely would not be what it is today. In fact, without Washington shaping to governments structure, it very well could have become corrupt or even simply collapsed. Washington was the first, he set the bar, he helped make our great nation what it is today.
Work Cited
"Papers of George Washington." The Papers of George Washington. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/presidential/veto.html#1>.
"George Washington's Administration 1789-1797." Old And Sold Antiques Auction. Web. 29 Jan. 2010. <http://www.oldandsold.com/articles22/george-washington-11.shtml>.
Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research & homework help. Infoplease.com. Web. 29 Jan. 2010. <http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0861867.html>.